How do you add a splash page to Zen Cart

**METOOTECH** · 17 May 2007, 07:44 AM

Hi, I would like to add a splash page in front of the Zen Cart, what would be the easiest way to do this? Why would I want one.... for the same reason a book has a cover....

Thanks, METOOTECH

**gjh42** · 17 May 2007, 08:18 AM

You can enter all the code you like in define_main_page.php in Tools > Define Pages Editor, and you can set flags in tpl_main_page.php to disable header, footer, left or right sidebars on the home page (instructions right in the file).

There are also admin switches to turn off breadcrumbs and the customer greeting on the home page.

**METOOTECH** · 17 May 2007, 12:04 PM

Hmmm, I would like to retain the Zen home page.... how about putting the cart in a folder called catalog and making a simple static index page called index.html with a click and enter link to the catalog/index.php page... would this work?
Metootech

**gjh42** · 17 May 2007, 06:30 PM

It would technically work, but it's an unnecessary extra click for every customer who visits your store, and not recommended as good practice. I know lots of people still do it. Also, when you have search engine links to relevant places in your store, anyone who follows them will *never* see your splash page.

But it is your choice in the end.

**METOOTECH** · 18 May 2007, 06:43 AM

Hehe, well if that's true, then the publishers of books, catalogs and magazines ought to do away with their front covers and just have their indexes showing when you pick them up... that way they would all look boringly alike with the menu and a lot of text and few images. And after all, when a book, magazine or catalog is purchased and the new owner has looked at the cover a few times, they tend to just open it back up the next time with out even looking at the cover... but it was that cover that enticed them to pick it up in the first place and provided that the contents is appealing and/or informative, then they will come back for more. Sure, after visiting an appealing website a few time, most people bookmark interior pages... that's to be expected. The purpose of the splash page, if it's done right with no annoying Flash or something equally obnoxious, is to lure new customers to take a look, just like a book, catalog or magazine cover. Splash pages were never meant to be bookmarked or visited each and every time a returning customer comes to your site. If this didn't work well, then the publishing industry would have already gotten rid of the practice, a long time ago...

Thanks for your help, METOOTECH

**METOOTECH** · 18 May 2007, 07:22 AM

Maybe we are not on the same page here... when I say splash page, I mean Front Cover page... just like the one on your "Future Relics" website called "shop"... that's in between your Domain Name and you index page.... I am not talking about an obnoxious Flash page... And I do see that my iidea would "technically work" because you have used the method on you website.... "it's an unnecessary extra click for every customer who visits your store, and not recommended as good practice." I don't understand why you would make this statement, when you a doing this very thing on your website???

Thanks, METOOTECH

**gjh42** · 18 May 2007, 07:43 AM

Actually, I did exactly what I recommended to you.

My splash page is (or will be when finished) a fully functioning home page, almost entirely built through define_main_page.php and an index_home.css stylesheet. There are a few tweaks in other files to affect how some things behave on the home page.

**gjh42** · 18 May 2007, 07:57 AM

Maybe you're referring to the holding page in the domain root... we put that in a year ago before we had a site we wanted people to see, and that layer will disappear when we officially open for web business.

**3DPeruna** · 21 Nov 2007, 10:58 PM

I'm looking to create a "splash" page that has a featured product on it. Essentially, there would be a big "buy me now!" button, and then some other links less prominantly displayed to get into the rest of the store.

Am I correct in thinking I need to edit the define_main_page.php? I don't want this to be "home" necessarily, but the "front" page if you hit the site.

**gjh42** · 21 Nov 2007, 11:08 PM

Yes, you would do this in define_main_page.php. It will be your "home" page; you will be able to navigate between it and the rest of the site.

My home page is not intended to be seen often while navigating inside the site, but is fully functioning if someone wants to go back to it.